Common Home Maintenance Issues and How To Fix Them

No matter how long it’s been since you moved into your own home, there are always new things to learn when it comes to home maintenance. You never know when something might need fixing or replacing, and having a bit of general DIY knowledge will help you out enormously.

Whether you’re looking to fix a specific maintenance issue or you just want to swat up on what to do when a problem arises, these common home maintenance issues and how to fix them should come in useful:

1. A leaking roof

No matter how much rainfall your roof is subjected to, there’s always the possibility that it could start letting in water. This is normally caused by wear and tear to your shingles or flashing, and the problem is very simple to fix.

If your shingles have curled, remove them and straighten them using a heat source (a hairdryer will do). If your shingles are loose or damaged, just replace them with new ones.

2. Damaged locks

If you live in an old home, there may come a time when you need to consider replacing your locks. Door locks only last for so long, so if your lock is jammed or faulty, it may be best to purchase new ones, along with new keys from https://www.clksupplies.com/.

The same goes for if your locks have been tampered with by an intruder. To replace your locks, just purchase a new one and drill it in place of your old one following the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Poor ventilation

A badly ventilated home can cause all sorts of issues, especially when moisture builds up on your walls and forms mould. If you have allergies, you may experience more frequent flare-ups from breathing in contaminants in the air in your home.

You can resolve this issue in a number of ways: by purchasing a dehumidifier to take the moisture out of the air, opening your windows (when the weather allows for it!), and using exhaust fans in moist areas like above your stovetop and in your bathroom.

4. A leaky faucet

One of the most common issues in the bathroom is a leaky faucet. The incessant drip-drip-dripping of a faucet is usually caused by corrosion or wear on the components that make up the unit, including gaskets, O-rings and washers.

Replacing a leaky faucet doesn’t require an expert handyman – just the right parts for the job. Turn off your water and take your faucet apart to diagnose the leak. Nine times out of ten, a worn washer is responsible, so replace the washer with a new one and you’ll be good to go.

5. Blocked gutters

Gutters aren’t exactly in the easiest-reach location, but if you don’t clean them out, they can become blocked, causing water to instead spill over the side. This can cause damage to your home’s foundation, and lead to mould and mildew.

Luckily, unclogging a gutter is easy, providing you have a head for heights! You will need to very carefully scale a ladder and manually remove the cause of the blockage, like leaves and dirt. You might want to wear gloves for the job.